Senator Ted Cruz is demanding answers from the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the prosecution of Dr. Eithan Haim, a whistleblower in Texas who raised concerns about gender transition procedures on minors.
Dr. Haim leaked four medical records from a Texas Children’s hospital that was found performing gender reassignment surgeries. He now faces four felony counts for violating HIPAA laws, despite the reassignment procedures being banned by the state of Texas.
Texas Senate Bill 14 prevents hospitals from performing gender reassignment surgeries or administering puberty blockers to transgender youth under the age of 18. In response to the passing of S.B. 14, the children’s hospital in question claimed they terminated sex-change procedures and the prescription of puberty blockers.
In a letter to Attorney Alamdar Hamdani, Cruz expressed concerns about the timing of the indictment, suggesting it may be an attempt to silence Dr. Haim for his stance against certain medical practices for transgender minors. Cruz emphasized the importance of protecting whistleblowers who expose potential wrongdoing in medical procedures.
Cruz asserted, “Political prosecution of whistleblowers not only undermines the integrity of the Department of Justice, but also sets a dangerous precedent for intimidating others from exposing wrongdoing. It has no place in our system of justice.”
Cruz’s letter demands an explanation of the DOJ’s actions and calls for transparency in the investigation process. He argues that the prosecution of Dr. Haim appears to be retaliatory and politically driven, aimed at discouraging others from speaking out.
“It is for this reason that I am concerned about the prosecution of Dr. Haim, a respected member of the medical community who has devoted his career to saving lives,” Cruz noted. “Now, because he acted to expose the barbaric and illegal practice of minor gender transition surgery, Dr. Haim faces the prospect of federal prison, substantial fines, and the loss of his medical license.”
The case is being conducted in Southern Texas. Should the court find Dr. Haim guilty, he could face up to ten years in a federal prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
